2023 Holiday Gift Ideas for LGBTQ+ Travelers
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with a carefully curated gift guide to find the perfect present for the jet-setters and adventurers in your life! From quirky packing bags to chic, foldable carryalls, our list of travel ideas has something for every traveler on your list.
Picture this: sipping on coffee from FELLOW’s Carter Move Mug, listening to Cher’s festive tunes, and tracking your belongings with Apple’s colorful AirTags. Whether you are shopping for the wanderlust-driven, tech-savvy, or those in need of a little pampering, our guide is your one-stop shop for unique and thoughtful presents that will make this holiday season truly unforgettable. So, buckle up, dive in, and get ready to slay your gift-giving game with our travel-inspired treasures.
Airportag’s Packing Bags
Price: $29.90 each
There is an art in organization when it comes to packing. We caught wind of Airportag’s fun packing bags and luggage tags this year on The View when Whoopi Goldberg recommended them telling the audience, “They’re wonderful and fun and will make you smile.” These packing bags include playful designs including Emergency Candy, Do I Look Like I Fly Economy?, Stuff My Mom Told Me Not To Forget, Paris is Always A Good Idea, The Queen’s Belongings, and more. They come in different colors and sizes, which makes packing a variety of items easy and fun.
Anderson Design Group’s 63 National Parks Book
Price: $49.95
Anderson Design Group has expanded and updated its acclaimed National Parks Book (63 National Parks: Updated Edition Hardcover) to include the latest addition, New River Gorge National Park. This new edition features fresh illustrations, photographs, hiking tips, and fun facts. The 9” x 12” full-color hardcover book showcases all 63 of their National Park posters, along with oil paintings, historical images, a US map, valuable insights, travel recommendations, and a comprehensive 100-year history of the National Park Service.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, poster art fans, and American history buffs, this book originated in 2015 when Anderson Design Group founder Joel Anderson and his team created posters for each National Park, drawing inspiration from their travels. Designed by Anderson Design Group’s talented artists and authored by Nathan Anderson, this book is a work of art. For more information about some of our favorite National Parks, check out our recent National Parks article here!
Anker PowerCore II 20000
Cost: $49.99
There is nothing worse than losing a charge when you are on the road. Anker PowerCore II 20000 portable charger is the perfect solution for keeping your phone and devices charged and ready to go. This high-quality product charges using Poweriq 2.0, Anker’s brand-new technology offering one of the fastest charges imaginable. Sick of chargers running out of battery? These chargers keep their battery power surprisingly long and can recharge in as little as five hours using their micro-USB cable.
Apple AirTag
Cost: Starting at $29
AirTag is an easy way to keep track of your belongings. Simply attach one tag to your keys and put another in your luggage and keep tabs on everything via the Find My app. AirTags aren’t just helpful for suitcases, you can tuck one in your beach or gym bag and never forget where you left something behind. Just like other Apple devices can be put into Lost Mode. When it is easily detected by a device in your network you will receive a notification.
Looking for a little pizzazz in your luggage? New AirTags are even more colorful with options including a green OtterBox Lumen Series Case for AirTag, the Tech21 Evo Shimmer case for AirTag, the AirTag FineWoven KeyRing (mulberry, taupe, coral, black, or pacific blue), and the AirTag Hermes Bag Charm.
Away The Packable Carryall
Cost: $75
Do you like to shop as much as we do when you are on the road? Away’s Packable Carryall is a smart item to pack so you can bring everything home. This lightweight foldable travel tote is made of water-resistant nylon and fits easily into a zip pouch or your suitcase. Pack with you for your next overseas adventure or fill it up for your weekend getaway. This handy travel companion fits airline requirements for carry-on luggage and comes in four colors including cayenne, teal, navy, and black.
Calm Annual Subscription
Cost: $69.99
Calm is the leading mental wellness brand that offers the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation. The app provides hundreds of hours of original audio content including sleep stories, soundscapes, meditations, music, and more. It also hosted the “Calmest Day of Pride” and a special “Pride Month Meditation,” which provided the LGBTQIA+ community with an alternative way to celebrate the (gay) holidays.
Lower your stress level by kickstarting your morning with meditation and anxiety boosters like their Morning Coffee playlist, Jeff Warren’s Daily Trip, Mindful Walking meditation, Daily Jay wisdom by Jay Shetty, or shake things up with the Daily Move by Mel Mah. If you have a bit of anxiety when flying or need to drown out any unsavory transit noises; opt for some of their wonderful Soundscapes like Northern Lakes, Rainforest Rain, or Calm Island.
Cher’s Christmas Album
Cost: $14.98
The holiday season is here, and Cher has taken some time away from social media to bless us with her most recent studio album in five years. Christmas, Cher’s first-ever holiday album features 13 songs including several holiday classics and four originals.
“I never say this about my own records but I’m really proud of this one. It is one of the most amazing highlights of my career,” noted Cher.
The album features a star-studded lineup of Cher’s BFFs, including Darlene Love, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, Cyndi Lauper, and Tyga. One of the many highlights is a duet by Cher and Stevie Wonder of Stevie’s “What Christmas Means to Me.”
“Every time I hear that harmonica, I’m a teenager again. It’s a personal dream come true for me to record this song with Stevie,” said Cher. The album is available to stream, but if you are home for the holidays or have a long road trip in the works this album is a fun one to sing along to.
EPICKA TA-105 Universal Travel Adapter
Cost: $22.99
Don’t worry about fumbling through your drawers to look for (and untangle) the right travel adapter anymore: Epicka’s TA-105 Universal Travel Adapter is the all-in-one travel necessity. This adapter features four different plugs that adapt to over 200 countries and regions. It also features safety shutters, a built-in 8A fuse, and a plug lock system, and it allows you to charge up to six devices all at once. Epicka offers this adapter in space gray, black, white, and rose gold. Looking for a holiday deal? Opt for a refurbished model for $16.10.
Fellow’s Carter Move Mug
Cost: Starting at $27.50
New Year, new travel mug? Fellow’s Carter Move Mug is a wonderful way to protect your Joe when you’re on the go. This mug is designed to amplify the senses and keep your beverage as warm or as cool as you like. Its snap-in splash guard and slim width offer mess-free sipping regardless of whether you have it in your car’s cup holder, on your bike, in your backpack, or while you are running to catch your next flight. The Carter Move Mug comes in a wide range of colors including slate grey, mint chip, corduroy red, warm pink, and peri twinkle.
July Carry-On Suitcase
Cost: $295
The July Carry–On Suitcase is designed to accommodate the maximum allowable cabin luggage. It boasts an ejectable battery approved for use on all major airlines, offering a convenient on-the-go phone charging solution. Featuring standard USB and USB-C docks, the battery charges both your phone and laptop, making it indispensable for when you are in transit. The standout feature is the revolutionary SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, designed in-house for silent operation and durability on various terrains.
Crafted from 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, this case is built to last, with an ergonomic handle, anodized aluminum bumpers for added protection, and a hidden odor-proof laundry bag. With the July Y-Strap Compression System and stain-resistant lining, packing is a breeze and cleanup is a cinch, ensuring an exceptional travel experience.
Crafted from 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, this case is built to last, with an ergonomic handle, anodized aluminum bumpers for added protection, and a hidden odor-proof laundry bag. With the July Y-Strap Compression System and stain-resistant lining, packing is a breeze and cleanup is a cinch, ensuring an exceptional travel experience.
Kaftko’s The KOZY Bear Union Suit
Cost: $145
You cannot go to a tea dance or Queer party without encountering a Kaftko design these days. The brand is the creation of New York fashion designer Oday Shakar, and his two founding partners Dana Quadri and the handsome Daddy bear James Adelman. The brand quickly caught the attention of celebrities like Billy Porter and Ross Mathew, who partnered with Kafko on recent special collections. This winter we are leaning comfortably into The KOZY Bear Union Suit, a cozy onesie featuring their signature KOZY Bear hood and ears, and plush teddy fabric. It is the perfect loungewear for a lazy Sunday morning, cruise ship theme parties, or a fun pajama party with all of your favorite bears.
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Limited Edition Holiday Advent Calendar
Cost: $125
Why pick up one travel-size skincare product when you can have 24? Kiehl’s Limited Edition Holiday Advent Calendar is always a fun early present to offer for your loved ones. A fun gift awaits behind each door in this colorful calendar featuring holiday-inspired designs by the French artist duo Icinori. The calendar features all of your Kiehl’s favorites, including Creme de Corps, the Ultra Facial Cleanser, Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum, Lip Balm #1, and an Avocado Mask. Buy one calendar and you have your travel dopp kit covered for the first half of the year.
Travelrest’s Nest
Cost: $39.99
Originally developed by NASA (you heard that right!), the Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is engineered to provide travelers with an unmatched level of comfort. Its exclusive non-slip backing ensures the pillow remains securely in place, while the high-quality thermo-sensitive memory foam perfectly conforms to the contours of the neck and shoulders, promoting natural alignment for a rejuvenating sleep.
The soft and plush velour cover is easily removable and machine washable for added convenience. Additionally, the drawstring on the stuff sack conveniently attaches to telescoping luggage handles for easy transport, though it’s advisable not to store the pillow in the stuff sack when not traveling.
VOESH Pedi in Box and Solemate Heal Repair Balm
Cost: $18 and $13
We were recently spoiled with a VOESH pedicure using the Pedi in a Box Deluxe 4-Step Fresh Trio and were blown away by how pampered our feet felt! This small box fits perfectly in your carry-on and is designed to help your feet feel hydrated, soft, and fresh with a bit of a cooling sensation. Each box features a sea salt soak, sugar scrub, mud masque, and massage butter. Choose from ocean refresh, lavender vanilla, mint mimosa, eucalyptus energy boost, milk & honey, cucumber fresh, and more.
The Pedi in a Box is a perfect pairing with their Solemate Heel Repair Balm. Be sure to tuck this into your backpack if you anticipate a lot of walking on your next adventure. This easy-to-use stick balm deeply moisturizes to repair, soften, and protect those heels. It is also good for ankles, elbows, and other parts of the body that need a little TLC after a long day. For more pampering ideas, visit our Queer Travel Essentials recommendations here.
